660. Today we’re joined by writer and cultural historian Brian Fairbanks,

author of “Wizards: David Duke, America’s Wildest Election, and the Rise of the Far Right.”

In this book, Fairbanks delivers a vivid account of David Duke’s 1991

run for governor of Louisiana — a campaign that shocked the country and

revealed how extremist politics could slip into the mainstream. Through

sharp reporting and a storyteller’s eye, he reconstructs the chaos, the

media frenzy, and the deeper social tensions that made that election a

turning point in modern American politics. Fairbanks brings that same

clarity to a very different American saga in “Willie, Waylon, and the Boys: How Nashville Outsiders Changed Country Music.”

Here he traces the rise of the outlaw movement, showing how Willie

Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and their circle pushed back against

Nashville’s rigid studio system and reshaped the sound and soul of

country music. He explores the rebellion, the artistry, and the cultural

moment that allowed these musicians to redefine authenticity and leave a

lasting imprint on American music. Beyond these two major works, Brian

Fairbanks has built a reputation as a writer who connects individual

stories to the larger forces shaping American life.

The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it

as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in

print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!

Heloise Hulse Cruzat wrote an article on the history of the Ursuline

Nuns in New Orleans.

     You have been told in eloquent

periods of the founding of New Orleans, of its subsequent

development, and I am to be the humble interpreter of another

intimate chapter of its history: THE SHARE WOMEN TOOK IN ITS

ESTABLISHMENT.

     Can we mention the French colonial

days without recalling the URSULINES, who by their unfaltering

courage and their steady and efficient work, incorporated

their history into that of our fair city.

     Bienville realized that New Orleans

would never attain his dream of greatness without education,

and especially such an education of the female youth as would

give worthy wives and mothers to the colonists. With this end

in view, he intrusted to the Jesuit, Father de Beaubois, the

care of choosing these educators. How successfully this

mission was accomplished by his selection of the Ursulines of

Rouen, the two past centuries have demonstrated.

      A contract was signed by the Company

of the Indies and the Ursulines, approved by brevet

signed by Louis

XV, and on February 22nd, 1727, Mother St. Augustin,

Tranchepain, with eight professed nuns, a novice and two

postulants sailed on the Gironde from L'Orient.

Democrat Francis T. Nicholls and Republican Stephen B. Packard

claim victory in election for governor; both take oath of

office.

board the steamer “Vicksburg” on January 8, 1840 at ten

o’clock in the morning, landing at the Carrollton wharf, where

an immense throng had assembled to welcome “the most

distinguished citizen of the country.”  The specific

reason for his presence was that a cornerstone was to be laid,

commemorating his victories in the Battle of New Orleans, a

quarter of a century before. General Jackson laid the

cornerstone in the Place d’Armes, on January 9, 1840.

It was not until some years later that the monument decided

upon was the one of Jackson, designed by Clark Mills, which

stands in the center of the ancient parade grounds for the

troops. This statue has been called the “center piece of one

of the finest architectural sittings in the world.” (NOPL)

January 10, 2026.

Fools of Misrule Parade Historic St. John District Covington Marchers will follow

the “Lord of Misrule”

in a medieval-themed procession.

The

2026 Route & Key Stops The parade follows a traditional path

through downtown Covington with key festivities:

Start: Seiler

Bar (434 N.

Columbia St.) following the members-only “Feast of Fools.”

Stop 1 (The Crowning): The procession marches to the

Covington Trailhead (419 N.

New Hampshire St.) to crown the “Lord of Misrule.”

Stop 2 (The Carouse): Revelers, flambeaux, and brass bands

march along New Hampshire Street to Boston Street.

Stop 3 (The Watering Holes): The krewe heads north along

Columbia Street, stopping at local restaurants and pubs.

End: The march

concludes back at the Columbia Street Tap Room &

Grill.

Website: foolsofmisrule.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone:

(985) 893-8187

St. John Fools of Misrule

434 N. Columbia St. Suite H20

Covington, LA 70433

Note for Listeners: While public, this march has a

rowdy “pub crawl” atmosphere. Families should aim for the

Trailhead crowning for the best experience with kids.

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